He taught music theory in Moscow (1936-9) and composition at the Conservatory's music school (1947-61), and also worked as a composer for radio. During World War II he drove an ambulance and was in the music corps.

In 1965 Frid founded the Moscow Youth Music Club, ad continued to organise and lead it for the rest of his life.

His music combines serial and tonal composition techniques, and includes music in many different genres, including the chamberoperasThe Diary of Anne Frank and Van Gogh's Letters.